Dishwasher construction



June 1959 M. E. ULLMAN, JR, ET AL 2,893,560

DISHWASHER CONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 11, 1956 I N VENTORS ATTORNEYS June 23, 1959 M. E. ULLMAN, JR., ETAL 2,891,560

I DISHWASHER CONSTRUCTION Filed April 11, 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 0 000 O0 000 OO F ,2 v INVENTORS g M gran E. Ullmwzz, J1: By Eric M SiLver dgwaaw ATTORAEYS June 23, 1959 M. E. ULLMAN, JR, ETAL DISHWASHERCONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 11, 1956 [NVENTORS Myron/E.Ulhzzagm/z: By EriaMSI/Lver d %w&&

ATTORNEYS V June 23, 1959 M. E. ULLMAN, JR., ET AL DISHWASHERCONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 11, 1956 Tu W m m mM& 0 r. 9%W M m n ET AL 2,891,560

June 23, 1959 M. E. ULLMAN, JR.

DISHWASHER CONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 11, 1956 56 i 67 i"W INVENTORS Myron E. l/Zl/mwn, J1:

Ero'cMSilvar 1: %w&

ATTORNEYS June 23, 1959 M. E. ULLMAN, JR., ET AL 2,891,560

DISHWASHER CONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed April 11, 1956 INVENTORSMyron E. Z/ZL J11 (1,

Eric M Sb'Lver '2 ATTORNEYS.

United States DISHWASHER CONSTRUCTION Myron E. Ullman, Jr., Canfield,and Eric M. Silver, Salem, Ohio, assignors to American Radiator andStandard Sanitary Corporation, New Yorir, N.Y., a corporation ofDelaware Application April 11, 1956, Serial No. 577,484

19 Claims. (Cl. 134-58) Our invention relates to improvements indishwasher construction, and more specifically to a dishwasherconstruction having a front opening door as distinguished fromdishwasher constructions having top opening doors.

Front opening dishwashers provide certain advantages over top openingdishwashers, one of the more important being generally greater capacityfor a given size of dishwasher tub and cabinet. That is to say, it ispossible to load a greater volume of dishes in a front openingdishwasher having a given size of tub than in a top opening dishwasherhaving the same size tub, since the tub is more accessible and thedishes may be positioned on a series of horizontally slidable trays in afront opening construction. A further advantage is that generally betterdish cleaning qualities are obtained in a front opening dishwasher,since the water spray means may be more efficiently positioned in afront opening construction and will more efllciently clean the dishesdespite the greater volume.

A still further important advantage of a front opening dishwasher over atop opening dishwasher is that, with the front opening dishwasher, thetop horizontal surface of the cabinet may provide additional counterspace in a kitchen in which the dishwasher is installed, or thedishwasher may be mounted in a kitchen cabinet with only the front sideportion thereof exposed. In the installa tion of a top openingdishwasher, however, it is necessary to provide clearance at the top ofthe dishwasher in order that the top opening door thereof may be opened.Further, since it is necessary to open this top opening door to gainaccess to the dishwasher, the top horizontal surface of the dishwashermay not be used as additional counter space in the kitchen.

It is necessary, however, in all dishwashers having a drying cycle, toremove the moist air from the tub of the dishwasher during this dryingcycle, while the dishes are being dried. In a top opening dishwasherthis venting of the dishwasher during the drying cycle is relativelysimple, since it is only necessary to provide spring loaded hinges onthe top opening door in combination with a latch which may be controlledby the dishwasher timer, so that it is only necessary to release thedoor latch at the start of the drying cycle and the spring loaded hingeson the door will open the same to vent the dishwasher tub.

In a front opening dishwasher, however, this presents a problem, since,if the door is unlatched at the start of the drying cycle, similar tothe top opening dishwasher, the door will open completely by gravity andprovide an inconvenient and dangerous obstruction in the kitchen wherethe dishwasher is installed. Attempts have been made to overcome thisventing problem in front opening dishwashers by providing a separateventing tube opening outwardly of the top of the dishwasher, or byventing the dishwasher tub into the confines of the cabinet surroundingthe tub. Venting into the confines of the cabinet has causedconsiderable corrosive damage to the cabinet, tub and electricalmechanisms making up the dishwasher construction.

2,891,560 Patented June 23, 1959 ice It is, therefore, a general objectof the present invention to provide a dishwasher construction whichovercomes the disadvantages of prior constructions.

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide adishwasher construction having a front opening access door, therebyproviding greater capacity for a given size dishwasher tub and cabinet,better cleaning qualities, and additional counter space in the kitchenin which the dishwasher is installed, all of these advantageous featuresbeing inherent in front opening dishwashers.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dishwasherconstruction of the front opening type in which the door thereof isautomatically partially opened during the drying cycle, therebyproviding an adequate vent for releasing moist air from the dishwashertub to shorten the drying cycle.

It is still a further object of the present invention to" provide adishwasher construction of the front opening type in which the doorthereof is automatically partially opened during the drying cycle, butyet the door latch remains securely engaged with the latch engagementmeans, without danger of the door accidentally moving to a completelyopened position.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide adishwasher construction of the front opening type in which the doorthereof is automatically partially opened during the drying cycle andsecurely remains in this partially opened position, but yet may beselectively moved at any time to completely open position by a positivemovement of the door latch handle.

Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide adishwasher construction having a three-position door handle requiringpositive movements between the positions of open, lock and run, wherebydanger of accidentally starting the dishwashing cycle is greatlydiminished.

Still further, it is an object of the present invention to provide adishwasher construction having a three-position door handle requiring aminimum of movement, starting from a door opening position, toselectively place the handle in door locking position or a positionstarting the dishwashing cycle.

Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide adishwasher construction having a door latch construction which includescam means for simply and efficiently placing the door latch in open,lock or run positions.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide adishwasher construction which satisfies all of the above objects, yet isrelatively simple in construction, efiicient and durable in use, and maybe fabricated at a minimum of both labor and material costs.

These and other objects are accomplished by the parts, constructions,arrangements, combinations and sub-combinations comprising the presentinvention, the nature of which is set forth in the following generalstatement, a preferred embodiment of whichillustrative of the best modein which applicants have contemplated applying the principles-is setforth in the following description and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, and which is particularly and distinctly pointed out and setforth in the appended claims forming a part hereof.

In general terms, the improved dishwasher construction comprising thepresent invention may be stated as including a tub having an open frontside and having a sump formed in the bottom wall thereof. The sumppreferably has connected thereto water drain means, water overflow meansand water outlet means. Still further, the sump preferably has an openheating coil positioned therein.

The tub further preferably includes water spray means,

water inlet means and dishholding tray means. The spray means preferablyis a spraying pipe rotatably mounted on the back side wall of the tubextending horizontally toward the open front side of the tub, with thetray means including two trays horizontally positioned, one above andone below the spraying tower, and slidable horizontally betweenpositions totally within the tub and positions at least partiallyextending through the open front side of the tub.

The dishwasher construction further includes circulating pump meansconnected to the sump 1' outlet means and tub spray means, for pumpingwater from the sump to the spray means. Additionally, drain valve meansis connected to the sump drain means for selectively draining water fromthe sump or retaining the same therein. Also, water valve means isconnected to the tub water inlet means for selectively admitting waterto the tub from a source of water supply.

Still further, the dishwasher construction includes a door pivotallymounted at the open front side of the tub and pivotal between theextreme positions of extending vertically closing the tub front side ina water splashproof manner and extending horizontally of the tubproviding access thereto. Preferably, a safety switch is mountedexterior of the tub and is controlled by latch means mounted partiallyon the door, said switch serving to initiate the dishwashing cycle, andalso to interrupt at least the circulating pump means when the door isopened during the dishwashing cycle. Finally, the dishwasherconstruction includes a timer operably connected to all of saidcirculating pump means, drain valve means, water valve means and safetyswitch.

The latch means preferably includes latch engagement means operablyconnected to a kicker assembly, with both of said means and assemblybeing mounted exterior of the tub, and with the kicker assembly operableto selectively move the latch engagement means generally horizontal inreference to the tub to partially open the door. The kicker assembly isoperably controlled in moving the latch engagement means in at least onehorizontal direction by the timer. The latch means further preferablyincludes a control hnadle pivotally mounted on the door and operablyconnected to cam means. The cam means is operably connected to a latch,with said latch being selectively engageable with the latch engagementmeans.

The control handle cam means and latch are prefera'bly arranged formovement between three positions, termed open, lock and run. The openposition completely disengages the latch from the latch engagementmeans, permitting the door to be pivoted in refer- I ence to the tub.

Further, the lock position engages the latch with the latch engagementmeans when the door is closed, retain ing the door closed but notactuating the safety switch. Finally, the run position engages the latchwith the latch engagement means when the door is closed, and actuatesthe safety switch for preferably starting the dishwashing cycle when thecycle is not started, or permitting the circulating pump means tooperate in the c cle when the cycle is in progress.

Thus, with the dishwasher construction comprising the present invention,the front opening door may be closed and the latch means placed in lockposition for storing dirty dishes, but yet not starting the dishwashingcycle. Further, the door may be closed and the latch means placed in runposition which, in turn, automatically starts the dishwashing cycle.

Still further, if the latch means is placed in either lock or openposition while the dishwashing cycle is in progress, at least thecirculating pump means will be stopped, preventing water from sprayingout of the tub if the door of the dishwasher is opened. Finally, duringthe drying cycle, the kicker assembly automatically moves the latchengagement means horizontally, thereby partially opening the door toprovide an adequate. vent for I.\ the dishwasher tub, but yet the latchand latch engagement means remain securely engaged, preventing the doorfrom opening completely accidentally.

By way of example, an embodiment of the improved dishwasher constructionof the present invention is illus trated in the accompanying drawingsforming a part hereof, wherein like numerals indicate similar partsthroughout the several views, and in which:

Fig. l is a front elevation of the dishwasher construction compri thepresent invention, with the door 3i broken away, and with the latchmeans thereof 111 11' position;

Fig. 2 a sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction ofthe arrows 22 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 a sectional view, part in elevation, looking in ircctiou of thearrows 3-3 in Fig. 2;

4 a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, lookr 1,, in thedirectionof the arrows 4.4 in Fig. 2, and she ing the latch means in runpc asition;

. 5 a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, lo king in thedirection of the arrows 5-5 in Fig. 4, and showing the latch means inrun position;

Fig. 6 a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in thedirection of the arrows 66 in Fig. 5, and showing the latch means in runposition;

Fig. 7 a view similar to Fig. 5 showing the latch means in run positionand the kicker assembly moved horizontally to partially open the door;

Fig. 8 a View similar to Fig. 5 showing the latch means in lockposition;

Fig. 9 a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in thedirection of the arrows 99 in Fig. 8, and showing the latch means inlock position;

Fig. 1-5) a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking inthe direction of the arrows ill-10 in Fig. 8 and showing the latch meansin lock position;

Fig. ll a view similar to Fig. 5 showing the latch means in openposition; and,

Fig. 12 a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in thedirection of the arrows 12--l2 in Fig. 11, and showing the latch meansin open position.

The dishwasher construction of the present invention, as best seen inFigs. 1, 2 and 3, includes a cabinet generally indicated at 20, havingmounted therein a tub generally indicated at 21. The cabinet 29 ispreferably formed of sheet metal and the tub 21 may be formed of a rigidplastic material or sheet metal.

Tub 21 is generally rectangular in configuration and is provided with atop wall 22, a bottom wall 23, side walls 24, a back wall 25 and an openfront 26. The bottom wall 23 has a sump 27 formed therein, with saidsump having a water drain outlet28 and a water circulating outlet 29preferably formed in adjoining side walls thereof.

Further, the sump 27 has a preferably open generally U-shaped heatingcoil 29:: mounted therein for a purpose to be hereinafter described. Anoverflow opening 30, having an overflow cap 31 mounted thereover, isformed in the bottom wall 23 adjacent the upper edge of the sump 27.Overflow cap 31 is formed so that water may pass laterally therethroughinto the overflow opening 36, but this cap is covered at the topthereof, preventing water from falling vertically downwardly intooverflow opening 31) from the main portion of tub 21.

An overflow pipe is mounted at the overflow open ing 39 and extendsdownwardly to a water drain pipe 33. Also, water drain outlet 28 isconnected to the drain pipe 33 through a solenoid drain valve 34.

The circulating outlet 29 in sump 27 is connected to the inlet side of apreferably centrifugal circulating pump 35, and the outlet side of pump35 is connected to a water circulating pipe 36. Circulating pipe 36extends from pump 35 preferably beneath tub 21 and then upwardly outsideof back wall 25 to a point intermediate the side walls 24 in tub .271and preferably slightly nearer top wall 22 than to bottom wall 23. Atthis point pipe 36 is connected through the back wall 25 to a generallyhorizontally extending spray means 37.

The spray means 37 forms the water spraying means for the dishwasherconstruction, for spraying water against dishes contained in tub 21, andincludes a stationary stand pipe 38 having a spray pipe 39 journaledthereon. Stand pipe 38 communicates with spray pipe 39, and spray holes40 are formed in spray pipe 39. Further, these spray holesare'positioned in such a way that, upon water being pumped underpressure from sump 27 by the circulating pump 35 through circulatingpipe 36, stand pipe 38 and ultimately into spray pipe 39, the water willspray from the holes 40, causing the spray pipe 39 to rotate aroundstand pipe 38, thereby spraying water to all parts of the tub 21.

Water is originally admitted to the tub 21 at the beginning of thedishwashing cycle and during the rinsing portions of the cycle from amain water line 41 through a solenoid water valve 42 into a water inletline 43, and ultimately through a water inlet opening 44 formed near thetop of the back wall 25 of tub 21. Opening 44 is preferably providedwith a baflle 45 directing the water downwardly in tub 21, and alsoinlet line 43 is preferably provided with the usual air gap device 46 asrequired by the plumbing codes of many cities.

The open front 26 of the tub 21 may be selectively closed by a door 47which is hingedly connected at the bottom horizontal edge thereof to thecabinet and tub 20 and 21. Door 47 and tub 21 are constructed andassembled so that when door 47 is in closed position, closing tub 21 ina water splash-proof manner, door 47 extends generally vertically, andwhen door 47 is in the extreme open position it extends generallyhorizontally, this latter position being important for a purpose to behereinafter described.

Preferably two plastic covered wire dish holding trays 48 and 49 areslidably mounted in tub 21, so that these trays are movable from totallywithin the confines of tub 21 to a position extending horizontallyoutwardly from tub 21 through the open front 26. Tray 48 is constructedso that its horizontal outward movement is limited, but tray 49 and door47 are constructed so that when door 47 is in its extreme open position,extending generally horizontally from tub 21, tray 49 may be slidoutwardly of tub 21 and onto door 47 The dishwasher construction of thepresent invention is further provided with a latch assembly generallyindicated at 50 and mounted partially on the door 47 and partially onflange 22a, above the top wall 22 of the tub 21. Also, the latchassembly 50 is operably connected to a kicker assembly generallyindicated at 51 and a safety switch 52, with kicker assembly 51 andswitch 52 also preferably being mounted on tub 21 above the top wall 22thereof.

As best seen in Figs. 4, and 6, the latch assembly 50 includes a handle53, a cam 54, a latch slide 55 and a latch member 56, all of which arepreferably mounted on door 47, and a latch engagement member 57preferably mounted on tub 21. Cam 54 is generally circular inconfiguration and is rotatably mounted on door 47 surrounding a mountingstud 58.

Cam 54 is mounted on stud 58 through a hub 59, which hub is formed at apoint offset from the center of cam 54. That is to say, as hub 59rotates on stud 58, the outer circumferential cam surface 60 of cam 54at different points is at a different distance from the center point ofrotation, so that the portion of the circumferential surface of cam 54which is the greatest distance from the hub 59 or the center ofrotation, describes a circle larger than the circular size of cam 54,making the surface 60 a cam surface.

Handle 53 is rotatably mounted surrounding the hub 59 of cam 54, withhandle 53 being rotatable in reference to both door 47 and cam 54. Anoperable connection is formed between handle 53 and cam 54 through a pin61 extending from the back surface of handle 53 and rotatably receivedthrough cam 54. Thus, upon rotation of handle 53, cam 54 will be rotatedthrough pin 61.

Further, the handle 53 is provided with a hub portion 62 spacedoutwardly from the hub 59 of cam 54 and the mounting stud 58. As bestseen in Fig. 6, hub portion 62 is generally triangular in cross-section,having rounded corners providing a smooth triangular surface.

A preferably nylon material positioning bar 63 is mounted for verticalsliding movement beneath hub portion 62 by means of the mounting pins 64received through the end portions of bar 63. Further, bar 63 isresiliently urged toward and into abutting relation with the outersurface on hub portion 62 by means of the springs 65 surroundingmounting pins 64.

Thus, the handle 53 is resiliently limited to three positions and uponbeing rotated to leave one position is resiliently urged into the nextposition by means of the resiliently urged positioning bar 63 passingover the rounded corners of hub portion 62 and bearing against the flattriangular sides thereof. As indicated on the handle 53 in Fig. 1, thethree positions of handle 53 are open, lock and run.

Latch slide 55 is slidably mounted on door 47 preferably slidablevertically when door 47 is in closed position. It is preferable thatslide 55 is formed of nylon and is slidably mounted on door 47 by meansof the reception of slide 55 within the escutcheon plate 66, which plateencloses slide 55 over a portion of the length of said slide.

Slide 55 further has an oblong cam opening 67 formed therein at thelower end thereof, with said opening having a width greater than itsheight as shown in Fig. 6. The height of opening 67 is preferably onlyslightly larger than the diameter of cam 54, while the Width thereof isconsiderably larger than the diameter of said cam.

Latch slide 55 and escutcheon plate 66 are mounted on door 47 with thecam 54 received Within the cam opening 67 of slide 55. Thus, as cam 54is rotated by handle 53, latch slide 55 will slide vertically or in alongitudinal direction in reference to the handle 53, earn 54,escutcheon plate 66 and therefore door 47.

Latch member 56 is pivotally mounted at the upper end of latch slide 55,that is, the end thereof opposite from the end in which the cam opening67 is formed. Latch member 56 is generally L-shaped or hook-shaped inconfiguration providing the engagement portion 68 extending generallydownwardly or vertically when door 47 is in closed position.

Further, latch member 56 is pivotally mounted on slide 55 by means ofpin 69, which pin is surrounded by a torsion spring 70 resilientlyurging latch member 56 to a position in which the engagement portion 68thereof extends downwardly when door 47 is in closed position, as shownin Fig. 5. The particular position to which latch member 56 is urged byspring 70 may be adjusted by the adjusting screw 71 which is threadablyreceived through slide 55 and bears against a downwardly extending tab72 formed on latch member 56.

Latch member 56 is partially mounted within door 47 and extends from theinner side of door 47 as shown in Fig. 5. Thus, the engagement portion68 thereof is positioned spaced from door 47 so that this engagementportion may be operably engaged in the latch engagement member 57.

Latch engagement member 57 is slidably mounting extending generallyhorizontally between the top wall 22 of tub 21 and the cabinet 20, andis positioned in horizontal alignment with latch member 56 when door .47is in closed position. Further, latch engagement member 57 is providedwith a latch engagement opening 73 adjacent the end thereof nearest thedoor 47.

Still further, the latch engagement member 57 is preferably providedwith tapered end surfaces 74 at the end thereof toward door 47. Thus, asdoor 47 is closed the engagement portion '68 of latch member 56 mayengage in the engagement opening 73 of engagement member 57, providedthe lower end of portion 68 extends below the uppermost edge ofengagement opening 73 of engagement member 57, since the lower end ofportion 68 may engage the tapered surface 74, causing latch member 56 topivot against the resiliency of spring 79 and thereby ride up thetapered surface 74 into opening 73 of engagement member 57.

Latch engagement member 57 is slidably received in the frame 75 ofkicker assembly 5. Kicker as nbly also includes the catch member 76 anda solenoid 77.

Frame 75 is mounted on flange 22a on tub 21 properly positioning latchengagement member 57, with frame 75 enclosing the edge portions ofengagement member 57 retaining member 57 slidably therein. Further,frame 75 is provided with the side slots 73 in which are positioned thetabs 79 which extend sideways from latch engagement member 57.

Tension springs till are connected to the tabs 79 of engagement member57 and extend forwardly toward door 47, where they are connected to aportion of frame 75. Thus, springs 8i normally urge tab 79 toward theforward ends of slots 78 or toward door 47, thereby normally urging theengagement member 57 to extend from frame 75 within the limits of slots78. The slidable movement of engagement member 57 is, however, limitedby the sliding movement of tabs 79 within slots 7%.

Latch engagement member 57 is provided with a catch member engagementopening 81 which is formed at the rearward end thereof, or the end awayfrom door 47 and latch engagement opening 73. Further, solenoid 77 ismounted on frame 75 spaced from the rearward end of engagement member57.

Catch member 76 is pivotally mounted on the plunger 82 of solenoid 77and is provided with a generally hookshaped engagement portion 33 whichis engageable in engagement opening 81 in latch engagement member 57when member 57 is in its rearmost or retracted position, that is, withthe tabs 79 at the rearward ends of slots 73 in frame 75. Further, catchmember 76 is urged toward such engagement position by the torsion spring254 which surrounds a pin 35 on which catch member 76 is also pivoted.

Pin 85 is mounted in frame 75 so that catch member "id is pivotal inrelation to frame 75 with such pivotal movement being controlled by theplunger 82 of solenoid 77. Thus, when solenoid 77 is actuated by anelectrical charge, plunger 82 is drawn into solenoid 77 and pivots thecatch member 7a around pin 85, causing the engagement portion 33 ofmember 76 to disengage the engagement opening 81 of latch engagementmember 56 against the resilient urging of torsion spring 84.

in the operation of the kicker assembly 55. in combination with thelatch assembly 5%), when the latch mem ber is engaged in the latchengagement opening 75 of the engagement member 57 and engagement member57 is in retracted position with the catch member 76 engaged in thecatch member engagement opening $1 of member 57, latch member 56 andengagement member 57 retain the door :7 closed in water splash-proofposition over the open front 26 of tub 21, as shown, for instance, inFig. 5. When, however, solenoid '77 is actuated by means of anelectrical charge, the plunger 82 is with drawn into solenoid 77,pivoting catch member 76 around pin 65 connected to frame 75, causingcatch member as to disengage latch engagement member 5'7, and permitting the tension springs St to slide engagement member 57 in a directiontoward door 47 until the tabs 79 reach the forward ends of slots 78.

This positions the door 47 in a partially open position, as shown inFig. 7, while the latch member 56 and engagement member 57 remainsecurely engaged. If it is desired to return the kicker assembly 51 andlatch assembly 5%) from the position of Fig. 7, with door-47 partiallyopen, to the position of Fig. 5, with the door again closed watersplash-proof, it is only necessary to apply pressure to position thedoor 4-7 to closed position, thereby sliding the latch engagement member57 to retracted position against the resiliency of springs 80. As member57 returns to retracted position, the catch member 76 will reengage inthe catch member engagement opening 81, being urged to such engagementby the torsion spring 84.

The safety switch 52 is mounted on frame 75 of kicker assembly 51, abovelatch engagement member 57 and intermediate the length of frame 75.Safety switch 52 is preferably a miniature type snap-action switchhaving the actuating button 86, which button, when pressed inwardly,acts upon the switch, altering the electrical circuit therethrough.

A generally \l-shaped switch lever 87 is pivotally mounted on frame 75of kicker assembly 51 over a pin 53. Pin 88 may also be convenientlyused forattaching one end of the springs 8b to the frame 75, as shownand as above described.

Switch lever 87 is positioned on pin $8, so that pin 83 is received inthe apex of lever 07, with one leg of the lever extending downwardlybeneath and abutting the button 86 on switch 52, and with the other legof the lever extending downwardly into the latch engagement opening 73of latch engagement member 57. Lever 87 is formed so that when theengagement portion 68 of latch member 56 is received in the opening 73in latch engagement member 57 a predetermined distance, the end ofportion 68 will engage and bear against the one leg of lever 87, causingthe lever to pivot around pin 88 and thereby cause the other leg oflever 87 to press the button 86 of safety switch 52 inwardly, changingswitch 52.

Also, button 86 is spring loaded so that this button is normally urgedoutwardly to place the safety switch 52 in one alternate position,changing the electrical circuit therethrough. Thus, upon the engagementportion 68 of latch member 56 being moved upwardly out of engagementwith the one leg of switch lever 37, the spring loading of the button 86will cause button 86 to move outwardly, since no pressure is exerted bythe other leg of switch lever 87. Finally, switch lever 87 is preferablyformed of relatively thin resilient material such as thin spring steel,so that when lever 87 is pivoted to a position pressing button 86inwardly by latch member 56, lever 87 will retain button 86 in thisposition by a resilient force, and also so that slight variations in theconfiguration of lever 8? or the pivoting of lever 87 by latch member 56will not damage safety switch 52.

Finally, the dishwasher construction includes a timer assembly generallyindicated at 89 having the usual timer dial 9i pre"erably ox ridingpartially through the front side of cabinet 2i) so that the phase of thedishwashing cycle may be indicated at any given time during such cycle.Timer 89 is operably connected to the heating coil 29a, solenoid drainvalve 34, circulating pump 35, water inlet valve 42 and the solenoid 77in the kicker as sembly 51. Also, at various times during thedishwashing cycle safety switch 52 is operably connected to the drivingmotor of timer 39 and at least the circulating pump 35 by timer 8%.

The wiring circuit of the dishwasher is constructed in such a way thatthe dishwashing cycle is started by actuation or closing of the safetyswitch 52 which starts the driving motor of timer 69. it is preferredthat short-- ly after the timber 89 is started, circuits are changed bytimer 89 so that the driving motor thereof is no longer actuated throughsafety switch 52. Thus, once timer 89 is started by safety switch 52, itwill be disconnected therefrom and thereafter timer 89 will run throughone complete dishwashing cycle before again automatically stoppingitself, without regard for the positioning of safety switch 52-.

Further, the electrical circuit is constructed so that at the timesduring the dishwashing cycle when circulating pump 35 is actuatedcausing water to be sprayed from the spray means 37, the electricalcircuit to this pump is connected through safety switch 52. Thus, at anytime during the dishwashing cycle that the door 47 is opened, changingthe electrical circuit through switch 52, the circulating pump 35 willbe immediately stopped and no water will be sprayed from the spray means37.

As before described, the handle 53 of the latch assembly 50 may berotated to three set positions, namely, open, lock and run, as indicatedon the face of handle 53, as shown in Fig. 1. The positioning of thelatch assembly 50, when the handle is in these three set positions, isseparately illustrated in the drawings with the open position beingshown in Figs. 11 and 12, the lock position in Figs. 8, 9 and 10 and therun position in Figs. 4, and 6.

As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, when the handle 53 is moved to openposition, the cam 54 is rotated so that the cam surface 60 thereofextends substantially its maximum distance upwardly, forcing the latchslide 55 to move to its maximum upward position. When latch slide 55 isin this maximum upward position, the latch member 56 is moved upwardlyso that the lower end of engagement portion 68 is spaced above theuppermost edge of the latch engagement opening 73 in engage.- mentmember 57.

Thus, when the handle 53 is in open position, the latch member 57 iscompletely disengaged from latch engagement member 57 and also from theswitch lever 87 of safety switch 52. The door 47 may therefore be placedin its extreme open position, that is, extending generally horizontallyof cabinet 20 and tub 21.

Further, when the door 47 is in its extreme open position, the dishholding trays 48 and 49 may he slid outwardly through the open front 26of tub 21 for loading dirty dishes therein or for removing clean dishestherefrom. When the handle 53 is in open position, however, the door 47will remain in closed position only through the balance of the door 47,since the latch assembly 50 is not engaged.

As shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 10, when the handle 53 is moved to lockposition, the cam 54 is rotated to move the latch slide 55 downwardly afirst distance, which moves the latch member 56 downwardly and, if thedoor 47 is in closed position, the engagement portion 68 of latch member56 will extend partially down into the latch engagement opening 73 ofengagement member 57. In this position the engagement portion 68 oflatch member 56 does not extend into engagement opening 73 a distancesuflicient to pivot the switch lever 87, so that the safety switch 52remains unchanged, not altering the electrical circuit therethrough.

Thus, by moving the handle 53 between the lock and open positions, thedoor 47 may be opened or closed and latched securely without startingthe dishwashing cycle, so that dirty dishes may be collected and storedin the dishwasher construction over any desired period of time until asuificient number of dishes have been accumulated and it is desired tostart the dishwashing cycle. Further, prior to the starting of thedishwashing cycle, the latch engagement member 57 will be in itsretracted position, with the catch member 76 engaged in the opening 81of engagement member 57, as shown in Figs. 8 through 12.

When it is desired to start the dishwashing cycle, the door 47 is placedin closed position and the handle 53 rotated to run position. Viewinghandle 53 from the front thereof as in Fig. 1, the handle may be rotatedto run" position either directly from open position counterclockwise, orfrom open position through lock position clockwise. Thus, if the handleis already in lock position, it is merely rotated clockwise to runposition.

When the handle 53 is in run position the latch" assembly 50 is moved tothe position shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6. When in this position, the cam54 has been rotated so that the cam surface 60 thereof forces the latchslide 55 to its lowermost position, as shown.

This causes the latch member 56 to move downwardly, causing theengagement portion 68 to move downwardly substantially fully within theengagement opening 73 in engagement member 57. As latch member 56 movesthis greater distance into engagement with engagement member 57,engagement portion 68 bears against and pivots the switch lever 87,causing lever 87 to move button 86 on safety switch 52 inwardly,altering the electrical circuit through switch 52. This starts the firstphase of the dishwashing cycle by starting the drive motor of the timer89.

As before stated, it is preferred that immediately after the starting ofthe timer 89, the timer actuates switches so that the electrical circuitto the timer motor is permanently closed until the end of thedishwashing cycle, despite the position of the safety switch 52. Also,the safety switch 52 at all times provides the electrical circuit atleast for the circulating pump 35, any time that pump 35 is actuated bythe timer 83. Thus, as the handle 53 is moved to lock or open positionat any time during the dishwashing cycle, if the circulating pump 35happens to be pumping water through the spray means 37, pump 35 will beimmediately stopped, thereby pre venting water from being sprayed out oftub 21 when the door 47 is opened.

When the timer 89 is started by rotating the handle 53 to run position,this timer actuates the heating coil 29a, closes the drain valve 34, andopens the water inlet valve 42. This first phase of the dishwashingcycle is termed the water intake.

During the water intake phase, warm water enters the dishwasher tub 21through the inlet opening 44 and immediately drops to the sump 27, wherethe water comes in contact with the heating coil 29a and is furtherheated. This water intake phase is continued until suflicient water hasentered the tub 21, as desired, for the dishwashing phase.

Further, during the water intake phase, if too much water has enteredthe tub 21 so that the sump Z7 is filled and water overflows therefrom,this excessive water will drain into the overflow opening 30 and beeliminated through the water drain pipe 33 which remains open at alltimes. The sump 27, however, retains the proper amount of water for thedishwashing phase, since the drain valve 34 remains closed until it isdesired to drain all of the water from the tub 21. I

At the end of the water intake phase the timer 89 automatically startsthe dishwashing phase. At the start of the dishwashing phase the waterintake valve 42 is closed so that no more fresh Water enters the tub 21,while the heating coil 29a remains actuated or energized and the drainvalve 34 remains closed.

Further, the timer 89 starts the circulating pump 35 so that pump 35withdraws heated water from the sump 27 through the water circulatingoutlet 29 and pumps this water through circulating pipe 36 to the spraymeans 37, where it is sprayed into the confines of the tub 21 by therotating spray pipe 39. Thus, heated water is sprayed against dirtydishes which are retained in the trays 48 and 49.

Still further, prior to starting the dishwashing cycle, soap or othercleaning material may be placed in tub 21, so that as the hot water iscirculated by the circulating pump 35 at the beginning of thedishwashing phase, soap or other cleaning material will be added to thewater for aiding in cleaning the dishes. Thus, after a short period ofthe dishwashing phase all of the hot water contained in the tub 21 willcontain soap or other cleaning material.

asanseo ill Thedishwashing. phase continues for a predetermined periodof time for the complete cleaning of all of the dishes held on the dishholding trays 48 and 49. This cleaning is accomplished by the hot soapywater being sprayed from the spray means 37 in rotating sheets of water,which water remains hot at all times since, after it leaves the spraymeans 37, it strikes the dishes and immediately falls into the sump 27,where it is reheated by the heating coil 29a prior to being recirculatedthrough the spray means 37.

At the end of the dishwashing phase the timer 89 automatically startsthe first drain phase. At the start of the first drain phase the drainvalve 34 is opened and the circulating pump 35 is stopped while theheating coil 29a remains actuated and the water inlet valve re mainsclosed.

Thus, the hot soapy water which has completely cleaned the dirty dishesin the dish holding trays 453 and 49 during the dishwashing phase isdrained from the sump 27 through the drain valve 34 to the water drainpipe 33. This eliminates all of the soapy water from the sump 27 usedduring the dishwashing phase.

At the end of the first drain phase the timer 89 automatically startsthe first rinse phase. At the start of the first rinse phase the drainvalve 3 5 is closed and the water inlet valve 42 is opened, againpermitting fresh water to enter the dishwater tub 21 through the inletopening 44, while the circulating pump 35 remains stopped.

As before, immediately upon the water entering tub 21, it drops to thesump 27, where the water comes in contact with the heating coil 29a andis further heated, since the heating coil 29a remains actuated. Further,after sufilcicnt water has entered tub Zll, water inlet valve 42 isclosed and the circulating pump 35 is again started, so that water isdrawn from sump 27 and sprayed from the spray means 37 through therotating spray pipe 39 and into the confines of tub 21.

in this manner any soapy water or foreign material which is stillremaining on the dishes held in the dishholding traps 43 and 49 isrinsed therefrom by the hot rinse water. Thus, by continued circulationof this hot rinse water from sump 27, through the spray means 37 andback to the sump, the dishes on trays 48 and 49 are ultimatelycompletely rinsed.

At the end of the first rinse phase the timer 89 automatically startsthe second drain phase in which all of the parts of the dishwasherassume the same positions as in the first drain phase. Thus, the drainvalve 3 is opened and the circulating pump 35 is stopped, while theheating coil 2% remains actuated and the water inlet valve 42 remainsclosed.

After the second drain phase is complete, it is preferable that a secondrinse phase is started, with the second rinse phase being the same asthe first rinse phase and followed by a third drain phase, identical tothe first and second drain phases. After the second rinse and thirddrain phases the timer autcmatically starts the drying phase.

At the start of the drying phase the drain valve 34 is open, thecirculating pump 35 stopped while the water inlet valve 42 remainsclosed and the heating coil 29a actuated. Further, momentarily,preferably at the very beginning of the drying phase, the solenoid 77 inthe kicker assembly 51 is energized, causing the plunger to be withdrawninto solenoid 77.

This movement of plunger 82 toward and into solenoid 77 causes the catchmember 76 to pivot around pin 85, as shown in dot-dash lines in Fig. 5.This pivotal movement of catch member 76 causes the engagement portion83 thereof'to disengage from the catch member engagement opening 31 inlatch engagement member 57.

Since engagement member 57 is disengaged from catch member 76, thesprings 80 resiliently urge engagement member 57 in a direction towarddoor-d7. This causes engagement member 57 to slide within and inreference to frame 75 in a direction toward door 47, until the tabs 79of engagement member 57 reach the forward limits of slots 78 in frame75.

Thus, latch engagement member 57 assumes the position shown in Fig. 7,pivoting door 47 to a partially open position, while the latch member 56mounted on door 47 remains securely engaged in the latch engagementopening 73 in engagement member 57. Also, as a result of this slidingmovement of engagement member 57, the latch member as disengages theswitch lever 87, thereby permitting lever 87 to pivot and relievepressure from button 86 on safety switch 52. This causes safety switch52 to alter the electrical circuit therethrough.

The alteration of the electrical circuit through safety switch 52 doesnot, however, affect the operation of the heating coil 29a during thedrying phase since, as before described, at the very beginning of thedishwashing cycle, although the safety switch 52 originally starts thecycle by starting the timer 89, the timer 89 subsequently transfers thecircuit to the timer motor from safety switch 52 to a permanentconnection which is only interrupted by the timer itself at the very endof the total dishwashing cycle or the end of the drying phase thereof.Thus, with the door 47 popped out or partially opened to provide a ventfor the tub 21 during the drying phase, the drying phase is continuedwith the heating coil 29:: continuing to provide heat for drying thedishes held on the dish holding trays 48 and 49.

During the drying phase the air at the bottom of tub l is heated by theheating coil 29a, causing this air to rise and circulate upwardly aroundthe dishes in the trays 43 and d9, evaporating the moisture from thesedishes. After picking up the moisture from the dishes, this warm aircontinues to rise and passes out of the tub 21 through the vent providedby the door 47 being held partially open by the extended latchengagement member 57 and latch member 56.

After the drying phase has continued for a predetermined length of time,completely drying the dishes on the trays 48 and 49, the timer 89disconnects the electrical circuit to the heating coil 29a andsimultaneously disconnects the electrical circuit to the timer motor,completing the dishwashing cycle. The door 4'7 may then be completelyopened merely by rotating the handle 53 to open position, causing thecam 54 to move the latch slide 55 to its extreme upward position,disengaging the latch member 56 from the engagement member 57, as beforedescribed.

After all of the clean dry dishes have been removed from the tub 21, thelatch engagement member 57 and kicker assembly 51 may be moved to theproper position, ready for the start of the next dishwashing cycle,merely by closing door 47, thereby sliding engagement member 57 toretracted position against the resilient force of springs 86, while thecatch member 76 pivots sufficiently to permit the engagement member 57to return to retracted position and also to permit the engagementportion 83 of catch member 76 to reengage in the opening 81, retainingengagement member 57 in re tracted position. Since the handle 53 has notbeen rotated back to run position, the latch member 5'6 will not engagethe switch lever 87 of safety switch 52, even though engagement member57 has returned to retracted position, and the dishwashing cycle willnot be again started until the handle 53 is once again rotated to itsrun position.

By the provision of the kicker assembly 51 in combination with the latchassembly 50, the dishwasher construc' tion comprising the presentinvention automatically provides an adequate vent for the tub 21 at thebeginning of and during the drying phase of the dishwashing cycle. Thisvent is provided by the kicker assembly 51 moving the latch engagementmember 57 to a position partially opening the door 47, as shown in Fig.7.

Further, even though the door 47 is partially open, any possibility ofinjuries to persons walking past the front of the dishwasher during andafter the drying phase of the cycle is eliminated, since the door 47,even though partially open to vent the tub 21, is securely retained insuch partially opened position by the continued complete engagement oflatch member 56 with the latch engagement member 57.

Also, because of the unique construction of the latch assembly 50, it isnot easy to accidentally start the dishwashing cycle, since a positivemovement is required by the handle 53 to place the same in run.position.The movement of handle 53 is resisted by the positioning bar 63 beingresiliently urged toward the generally triangular hub portion 62 ofhandle 53 by the springs 65, so that springs 65 must be compressed bythe turning of handle 53, requiring a positive and definite movement.

Also, the door 47 may be closed and the handle placed in lock positionwithout starting the dishwashing cycle, since the latch member 56 doesnot engage the switch lever 87 of safety switch 52 to start thedishwashing cycle until the handle is placed in run position. Thus,dirty dishes may be stored in the dishwasher tub 21 for any period oftime, until a sufiicient number is collected to fill the trays 48 and 49in tub 21, before the dishwashing cycle is run.

As before stated, it is preferred that the latch slide 55, the latchengagement member 57 and the positioning bar 63 are formed of nylonmaterial because of the quietness, long wearing and self-lubricatingqualities of such material. In this way these frequently moved partswill not need lubrication and will wear for an almost indefinite periodand, further, will not wear the metal parts which are engaged therewith.

Thus, there is presented and described in the foregoing, a dishwasherconstruction which overcomes the disadvantages of the priorconstructions, which has a front opening access door, thereby providinggreater capacity for a given size dishwasher tub and cabinet, bettercleaning qualities and additional counter space in the kitchen in whichthe dishwasher is installed, all of these advantageous features beinginherent in front opening dishwashers; which is of the front openingtype in which the door thereof is automatically partially opened duringthe drying cycle, thereby providing an adequate vent for releasing moistair from the dishwasher tub, but yet the door latch remains securelyengaged with the latch engagement means without danger of the dooraccidentally moving to a completely opened position; which is of thefront opening type in which the door thereof is automatically partiallyopened during the drying cycle and securely remains in this partiallyopened position but yet may be selectively moved at any time tocompletely open position by a positive movement of the door latchhandle; which has a three-position door handle requiring positivemovements between the positions of open, lock and run, whereby danger ofaccidentally starting the dishwashing cycle is greatly diminished; whichhas a threeposition door handle requiring a minimum of movement,starting from a door opening position, to selectively place the handlein door locking position or a position starting the dishwashing cycle;which has a door latch construction which includes cam means for simplyand efliciently placing the door latch in open, lock and run positions;and which provides all of the above advantageous features, yet isrelatively simple in construction, efiicient and durable in use, and maybe fabricated at a minimum of both labor and material costs.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness and understanding, but no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom, because such words are used for descriptive purposesherein, and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the embodiment of the improved construe tion illustrated anddescribed herein is by way of example, and the scope of the presentinvention is not limited to the exact details of the construction shown.

Having now described the invention, the construction, operation and useof a preferred embodiment thereof, and the advantageous new and usefulresults obtained thereby; the new and useful construction and reasonablemechanical equivalents thereof obvious to those skilled in the art areset forth in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a dishwasher, tub walls provided with a tub access opening, afront opening door mounted movably between a fully closed positionextending generally vertically and closing the dishwasher tub accessopening and a fully open position extending generally horizontallyproviding access to the tub opening, latch means including membersmounted on the door and other mem bers operatively connected with thetub engageable normally to retain the door seated in splash-proofclosure relation to the tub access opening during a portion of adishwashing cycle, kicker means operatively connected with the latchmeans operative to release and open the door to partially open positionthereby providing vent means for the tub during a predetermined portionof the dishwashing cycle, the latch means including retainer meansholding the door while partially open from moving to its fully openedposition, and means for actuating said kicker means.

2. The construction defined in claim 1 in which the kicker meansincludes devices operatively connected to the tub mounting certain ofsaid other latch means members for limited movement with respect to thetub.

3. The construction defined in claim 1 in which the latch membersinclude engageable hook devices, in which the kicker means is connectedwith one of the said devices, and in which the kicker-connected-deviceis mounted for movement in a generally horizontal direction to permitpartial opening of the door when the kicker means is actuated to releasethe door.

4. The construction defined in claim 3 in which the hook devices includea hook member mounted on the door and a hook engaging member supportedexteriorly of the tub, and in which the kicker is connected to the hookengaging member.

5. The construction defined in claim 4 in which the hook engaging memberis mounted horizontally slidable between a retracted position and anextended position partially opening the door; and in which the kickermeans includes resilient means urging the hook engaging mem her toextended position, a catch member normally retaining the hook engagingmember in retracted position, and solenoid means for selectivelyreleasing the catch member from the hook engaging member permitting theresilient means to slide the hook engaging member to extended positionat a predetermined time during the dishwashing cycle.

6. In a dishwasher, a tub member, a door member mounted for movementbetween an open position and a position closing the tub, a latchengagement member operatively connected with one of said members andhaving an engagement opening formed therein, a latch operativelyconnected with the other of said members, the latch being mounted forselective movement into at least one engaged position engaged in theengagement member opening when the dishwasher door is closed, means forselectively moving the latch, safety switch means for controllingoperation of at least certain portions of the dishwasher, the safetyswitch means extending into the engagement member opening, and the latchbeing engaged with the safety switch means in the engagement memberopening actuating said switch means when the latch is in said oneengaged position.

7. In a dishwasher, a tub member including tub walls provided with a tubaccess opening, a front opening door '15 member mounted movably betweena fully closed position extending generally vertically and closing thedishwasher tub access opening and a fully open position extendinggenerally horizontally providing access to the tub opening, a latchengagement member operatively connected with one of said members andhaving an engagement opening formed therein, a latch operativelyconnected with the other of said members, the latch beingmounted forselective engagement in the engagement member opening when thedishwasher door is closed normally to retain the door seated insplash-proof closure relation to the tub access opening during a portionof a dishwashing cycle, kicker means operatively connected with one ofsaid latch and latch engagement member operative to release and open thedoor to partially open position thereby providing vent means for the tubduring a predetermined portion of the dishwashing cycle, said one ofsaid latch and latch engagement member including retainer means holdingthe door while partially open from moving to its fully open position,means for actuating said kicker means, handle means movable betweenthree positions, means operatively connecting the handle means to thelatch for positioning the latch in any of three positions, the latchbeing disengaged from the latch engagement member when placed in thefirst position, thelatch extending a selected distance into the latchengagement member opening when placed in the second position, and thelatch extending a greater distance into the latch engagement memberopening when placed in the third position.

8. The construction defined in claim 7 in which a safety switch ismounted adjacent the latch engagement member for controlling operationof at least certain portions of the dishwasher, in which a switch leveris pivotally connected with the safety switch movable to actuate thesafety switch, and in which the latch engages the switch lever and movessaid switch lever to actuate the safety switch when the latch is movedto said third position.

9. The construction defined in claim 7 in which the kicker means isconnected with one of said latch and latch engagement member, in whichsaid one of said latch and latch engagement member is mounted formovement in a generally horizontal direction to permit partial openingof the door when the kicker means is actuated to release the door, inwhich the operable connection between the handle means and latchincludes cam means actuated by moving the handle means, and in which thecam means is operably connected to the latch for moving said latchbetween its three positions when the cam is actuated.

10. The construction defined in claim 7 in which the latch is mounted onthe door member and the latch engagement member is supported exteriorlyof the tub, in which the lcicker means is connected to the latchengagement member, in which the latch engagement member is mounted formovement in a generally horizontal direction to permit partial openingof the door when the kicker means is actuated to release the door, inwhich the operable connection between the handle means and the latchincludes a cam member mounted movable with the handle means and a slidemember having an opening formed therein and mounted for slidablemovement in reference to the handle neans, in which the latch isoperably mounted on the slide member, and in which the cam member isreceived in the slide member opening abutting portions of the slidemember surrounding said opening for moving the slide member into any ofthree positions upon moving the handle means to its three positions.

11. The construction defined in claim 10 in which the latch engagementmember is mounted horizontally slidable between a retracted position andan extended position paritally opening the door; in which the kickermeans includes resilient means urging the latch engagement member toextended position, a catch member normally retaining the latchengagement member in retracted position, and solenoid means forselectively releasing the catch member from the latch engagement memberpermitting the resilient means to slide the latch engagement member toextended position at a predetermined time during the dishwashing cycle;in which a safety switch is mounted adjacent the latch engagement memberfor controlling operation of at least certain portions of thedishwasher; in which a generally V-shaped switch lever having an apexand angularly disposed leg portions is pivotally mounted with one ofsaid leg portions extending into the latch engagement member opening andthe other of said leg portions extending adjacent the safety switch; andin which the latch engages said one leg portion pivoting the switchlever and causing said other leg portion to actuate the safety switchwhen the latch member is moved to said third position.

12. In a dishwasher, a tub member, a door member mounted for movementbetween a fully open position and a position closing the tub, latchmeans including members mounted on the door and other membersoperatively connected with the tub, said door and tub latching meansmembers being engageable normally to retain the door seated in closurerelation to the tub during a portion of a dishwashing cycle, kickermeans operatively connected with the latch means operative to releaseand open the door to partially open position with the latch meansmembers remaining engaged thereby providing vent means for the tubduring a predetermined portion of the dishwashing cycle, the latch meansincluding retainer means positively holding the door engaged whilepartially open through the latch means members and positively preventingthe door from moving to its fully opened position until the latch meansmembers are disengaged, and means for actuating said kicker means.

13. In a dishwasher, a tub member, a door member mounted for movementbetween an open position and a position closing the tub, a latchengagement member operatively connected with one of said members andhaving an engagement opening formed therein, a latch operativelyconnected with the other of said members, the latch being mounted forselective engagement in the engagement member opening when thedishwasher door is closed, handle means movable between three setpositions, said handle means including a triangular hub means having agenerally triangular outer surface, a positioning bar being mountedresiliently urged toward the hub means outer surface, means operablyconnecting the handle means to the latch for positioning the latch inany of three set positions, the latch being disengaged from the latchengagement member when placed in the first set position, the latchextending a selected distance into the latch engagement member openingwhen placed in the second set position, and the latch extending agreater distance into the latch engagement member opening when placed inthe third set position.

14. In a dishwasher, a tub member, a door member mounted for movementbetween an open position and a position closing the tub, a latchengagement member operatively connected with one of said members andhaving an engagement opening formed therein, a latch mounted operativelyconnected with the other of said members, the latch being mounted forselective movement into at least two engaged positions engaged in theengagement member opening when the dishwasher door is closed, means forselectively moving the latch, safety switch means for controllingoperation of at least certain portions of the dishwasher, the latchbeing disengaged from the safety switch means in one of said engagedositions, and the latch being engaged with the safety switch meansactuating said switch means when in the other of said engaged positions.

15. The construction defined in claim 14 in which the safety switchmeans includes a safety switch and a pivotally mounted switch levermovable to actuate the safety 17 switch, and in which the latch engagesthe switch lever and moves said switch lever to actuate the safetyswitch when the latch is moved to the other of said engaged positions,

16. In a dishwasher, a tub member, a door member mounted for movementbetween an open position and a position closing the tub, a latchengagement member operatively connected with one of said members "andhaving an engagement opening formed therein, a latch mounted operativelyconnected with the other of said members, the latch being mounted forselective movement into at least two engaged positions engaged in theengagement member opening when the dishwasher door is closed, means forselectively moving the latch, a safety switch controlling operation ofat least certain portions of the dishwasher, a pivotally mounted switchlever being movable to actuate the safety switch, the latch extending afirst distance into the latch engagement member opening when moved intoone of said engaged positions, the latch extending a second distanceinto the engagement member opening when moved into the other of saidengaged positions, said second distance being greater than said firstdistance, and the latch engaging the switch lever and moving said switchlever to actuate the safety switch when the latch is moved to said otherengaged position extending into the engagement member opening said second distance.

17. In a dishwasher, a tub member, a door member mounted for movementbetween an open position and a position closing the tub, a latchengagement member operatively connected with one of said members andhaving an engagement opening formed therein, a latch operativelyconnected with the other of said members, the latch being mounted forselective engagement in the engagement member opening when the doormember is in closed position, handle means movable between three setpositions, the handle means including a triangular hub means having agenerally triangular outer surface, a positioning bar mountedresiliently urged toward the hub means outer surface, a cam memberrotatably mounted adjacent the handle means, a pin mounted on the handlemeans and extending therefrom, said pin being received in an opening inthe cam member transmitting rotatable motion between the handle meansand cam member, a slide member having an opening formed therein andmounted for slidable movement in reference to the handle means, thelatch being operably mounted on the slide member, the cam means beingreceived in the slide member opening abutting portions of the slidemember surrounding said opening for moving the slide member into any ofthree set positions upon moving the handle means to its three setpositions, movement of the slide member to its three set positionsmoving the latch to three set positions, the latch being disengaged fromthe latch engagement member when place in the first set position, thelatch extending a selected distance into 18 the latch engagement memberopening when placed in the second set position, and the latch extendinga greater distance into the latch engagement member opening when placedin the third set position.

18. In a dishwasher, a tub member, a door member mounted for movementbetween an open position and a position closing the tub, a latchengagement member operatively connected with one of said members andhaving an engagement opening formed therein, a latch oper ativelyconnected with the other of said members, the latch being mounted forselective engagement in the engagement member opening when the doormember is in closed position, handle means movable between three setpositions, cam means operably connected between the handle means andlatch for positioning the latch in any of three set positions when thehandle means is moved actuating the cam means, the handle means and cammeans co-operating to retain the latch in each of its three setpositions, the latch being disengaged from the latch engagement memberwhen placed in the first set position permitting movement of the doormember from said position closing the tub, the latch extending aselected distance into the latch engagement member opening when placedin the second set position with the door member in closed positionretaining the door member in said closed position, the latch extending agreater distance into the latch engagement member opening when placed inthe third set position with the door member in closed position retainingthe door member in said closed position, switch means for controllingoperation of at least certain portions of the dishwasher mounted foractuation by the latch when said latch is placed in said third setposition, and the switch means being free of actuation by the latch whensaid latch is placed in the first and second set positions.

19. The construction as defined in claim 18 in which the operableconnection between the cam means and latch includes a slide memberhaving an opening formed therein mounted for slidable movement inreference to the handle means; in which the latch is operably mounted onthe slide member; in which the cam member is received in the slidemember opening for moving the slide member into any of three setpositions upon moving the handle means to its three set positions; andin which the handle means and cam means and slide member co-operate toretain the latch in each of its three set positions.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,304,438 Bilde Dec. 8, 1942 2,618,282 Stanitz NOV. 18, 1952 2,624,352Illian Ian. 6, 1953 2,671,037 Stoddard Mar. 2, 1954 2,707,961 Geiger May10, 1955 2,722,225 Carson Nov. 1, 1955

